Ambwin two

Verified Slow Way

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Ambleside to Windermere 2 (Ambwin 2) review.

A scenic Lake Windermere route between the lakeside town of Ambleside and the town of Windermere near the train station.

I haven’t much to add to the previous comprehensive reviews. I enjoyed the tranquillity of the fields and woodland, and the great views across the lake (Photos 1 to 6).

There is plenty to enjoy in Ambleside (Photo 7). I recommend The Apple Pie Café and Bakery, particularly the eponymous pie. If you have time, a detour by the Market Hall leads to the 70-foot Stockghyll waterfall (Photo 8).

There is a second detour on the approach into Windermere. Take an ascending footpath up to Orrest Head for a panoramic view over the lake (Photo 9).

Heading up out of Ambleside I spotted an unusual view of Hayes garden centre, looking like some sort of a spaceship. This was followed by a string of gorgeous, and gradually changing views of Lake Windermere as the tarmac became gravel, then a rocky path.
I’ve added a map to show the correct route at High Skelghyll, which I also found a little confusing to start with.
There was a bench with a view where our route branched downhill off Robin Lane, which would offer an alternative to the café at Troutbeck, if needed. This track ended with a steep section of slate “cobbles” and some lovely looking holiday let properties.
Two picturesque wooden bridges crossed Trout Beck, then there was some farmland, and very nice woods, before a green lane brought me straight out into Windermere, close to the station.
It’s difficult not to continue the 5* reviews!.

I had already completed the short Bowwin Two to reach Windermere Station, and launched straight into Ambwin Two. Noticeboards beg visitors to climb Orrest Head, and I've done that many times before, but I'd never followed these particular footpaths to Troutbeck, so it was all new to me. I liked it, and it seemed straightforward, but it's worth keeping an eye on the map so that all the correct turns are made. The path through High Hagg Wood is a National Trust permitted path, rather than a right of way. Once past the farm of Far Orrest, which I saw beyond a frozen pool, the route drops to the A592 road, where there's a combined bus stop and public footpath signpost. (The bus only runs in the summer.) Once across the Troutbeck valley, I'd followed the tracks and paths leading to Ambleside many times over the years. They're clear enough, but it's still worth keeping an eye on the map. They lead through farmland and woodland, and when you reach Ambleside it's best to follow a quiet road running parallel to the main road. I liked this route, but I wouldn't say the same for Ambwin One, which spends too much time following a main road. I walked this road in 1974 and I wouldn't wish to repeat the experience. It has a bus service and I travelled back to Windermere on the 'topless' bus, which was a chilling experience on a frosty evening.

This is a good walk. The nearby cafe at the Old Post Office Troutbeck is not open on Monday and does not open until 10 am on other days - early starters will be disappointed.

An excellent route. Enjoyable throughout. Nearly all on paths well away from roads. Navigation was easy and the views superb. Not much in the way of refreshment stops, but plenty at either end and some great picnic spots on the way. Hillier and longer than ambwin(one) but worth the effort if you have time and energy.

This is a really pleasant walk from Ambleside to Windermere via woodland and hills overlooking lake Windermere often.
As regards suitably I would say that you would need to be on foot and reasonably fit as there are elevation changes that may need you to have a minute. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Starting in Ambleside where there is an abundance of shops and food amenities. Also a Tesco for your packed lunch if you haven’t brought one already. Also I would recommend the Apple Pie shop. Best apple pie I’ve ever tasted!
Onto the walk, leaving Ambleside streets you begin uphill after a short time which is reasonably steep in parts. Plenty of places for momentary stops to take in the view of the lake and fields. Also a few seats natural or otherwise.
Lovely wooded area further on with some streams. Very peaceful. More uphill while you climb higher and views of the lake are stunning!
Further on hillsides and rolling fields with sheep and cows grazing.
Other walkers seemed to be quite prepared with their walking (ski type) sticks and good footwear. I would definitely recommend walking boots due to the sometimes uneven surfaces.
Plenty of places for a lunch stop and a place on route too.
Down the hill to Windermere with a few uphills too. All very pleasant
A great walk ending near Windermere train station and bus hub. Easy to catch a bus back to Ambleside. I think it’s the 599 only costs £2 17/05/23
Oh one point to note is that the gps signal if using a smart phone is not that great so location accuracy is not perfect. My cell provider is O2 so may vary. That said if you are heading towards Windermere with the lake on the right of you there are also various signs too so you shouldn’t go far off track. Happy walking!.

I walked this from Ambleside to Windermere in August 2022 in good weather. I fully agree with the two reviews below. Its a lovely route with a mixture of terrains and some terrific views of Lake Windermere just after the climb out of Ambleside. Not suitable for wheels although we saw mountain bikers at one point!

We also experienced the two navigation challenges mentioned. Crossing the stream near Skelghyll woods required a glance at my compass to indicate the need to head left/up via a double-gate and not the 'more obvious' track ahead/down. And we found the route very unclear at Far Orrest Farm. I suggest looking very hard there for wooden signposts - they were present but not obvious!
As you approach Windermere you could take an optional diversion left up to the small peak of Orrest Head and see the views that first inspired Wainwright's love of the fells.

This is a wonderful route that typifies what makes a good Slow Way – some ancient tracks, spectacular views over Windermere and towards the Langdales but still direct between Ambleside and Windermere. It is safe although not suitable for wheels. It is much more pleasant than AmbWin One as it avoids roads for almost the entire way and is generally easy going under foot. The route is mixed woodland and lower fell farmland.

Navigation is generally easy but there are a couple of points where it is easy to go off route. The first (walking from Ambleside to Windermere) is after the farm past Skelghyll woods where you cross the stream. The way the GPX points are logged may suggest at that point you follow the track down to the right, but you should turn left heading up though the double-gated path (see photo 2). The second point of possible confusion is at Far Orrest Farm where there is an intersection of several paths. The GPX track is correct but not immediately obvious on the ground. Look for the wooden footpath signs and head right signposted to "Crosses Farm".

I've walked this route in high summer and midwinter and it works well in all conditions. For a few years the crossing of Trout Beck was difficult as the original bridges were damaged in the floods following "Storm Desmond" in 2015. There are now two much more robust bridges that make this an easy and pleasant crossing.

Other highlights apart from the stunning views of the fells and lake include the magnificent Giant Redwood marking the path off the Patterdale Road (A592) (See photo 3), Annie's Seat (See photo 4) and some delightful woodland paths rich with mushrooms in autumn.

This is a beautiful and interesting route with a good range of views and different environments. It is vastly better than AMBWIN1.

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